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Introduction to Criminal Justice

Freshmen Course

The Introduction to Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice course provides high school freshmen with a comprehensive overview of the American criminal justice system. Students will explore the structure and function of law enforcement, the courts, and corrections, with a focus on both adult and juvenile systems in California. The course highlights career opportunities in the field, such as police officers, investigators, and legal professionals.

Throughout the year, students will develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills while engaging in hands-on activities like case studies, role-playing scenarios, and competency tests. Emphasis will be placed on ethics, integrity, and professionalism—qualities essential for success in the justice system.

By the end of the course, students will understand how a criminal case progresses from investigation to appeal, the role of key constitutional amendments, and the impact of crime on society. This course serves as the first step in the Protective Service and Law Academy pathway, preparing students for future courses in criminal justice and criminology.

Law & Public Service

Sophomore Course

The Criminal Justice in Action course provides sophomores with an in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system, building on concepts introduced in the freshman-year course. Students will explore law enforcement, the courts, and corrections while examining how policies shape the system. Through hands-on activities, students will engage in role-playing scenarios, ethics challenges, and decision-making exercises that mirror real-world situations faced by criminal justice professionals.

Key topics include the causes of crime, modern policing practices, constitutional rights, the trial process, sentencing, and the juvenile justice system. Students will also explore career paths in law enforcement, legal services, and corrections.

By the end of the course, students will have strengthened their critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills while gaining insight into the responsibilities, challenges, and ethical standards required for success in the field of public safety.

Criminology

Junior Course

The Criminology course offers juniors an in-depth exploration of crime, its causes, and the societal response to criminal behavior. As the capstone course in the Protective Services and Law Academy pathway, it builds on previous coursework in law enforcement and criminal justice. Students will analyze crime trends, study the impact of victimization, and explore key criminological theories, such as Rational Choice, Trait, Social Structure, and Conflict theories.

Through interactive learning methods, including case studies, debates, mock trials, and guest lectures from professionals in the field, students will develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. Topics covered include violent crime, political crime, economic crime, public order offenses, and cybercrime.

By the end of the course, students will be able to interpret crime data, evaluate criminal justice policies, and propose solutions to contemporary challenges in the field. This course prepares students for further education and careers in law enforcement, corrections, legal services, and criminology.

Forensic Science

Senior Course

The Forensic Science course provides students with a detailed exploration of how scientific methods are applied to criminal and civil investigations. As part of the broader criminal justice field, this course builds on previous coursework in biology, chemistry, and earth sciences. Students will study key forensic techniques, including crime scene analysis, microscopy, chromatography, and chemical analysis of evidence, as well as methods for analyzing hair, fibers, glass, fingerprints, firearms, drugs, toxicology, entomology, and DNA.

Through hands-on learning experiences, such as case studies, forensic competitions, laboratory experiments, and journal readings, students will develop critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving skills. Key topics include the role of scientific inquiry in criminal investigations, data collection, and the use of technology in forensic analysis.

By the end of the course, students will be equipped to apply forensic science techniques, interpret evidence, and evaluate investigative findings. This course also emphasizes potential career pathways in forensics and criminal justice, preparing students for further education and careers in law enforcement, forensic analysis, and related fields.